Will Gynecomastia Go Away on Its Own?
While breast procedures for women are one of the most common plastic surgery treatments, many people don’t realize that nearly 60 percent of men are affected by a condition that may require a male breast reduction in order to treat. Gynecomastia, or the enlargement of the breasts in men, is a common yet little understood or talked about condition. For this reason, many men affected by gynecomastia may wonder if it is something that will just go away on its own, or if there is an effective treatment option that can get rid of the problem for good.
What Is Gynecomastia?
To fully understand its treatment, it can be helpful to first have a working knowledge of what, exactly, gynecomastia is and what causes it. As teens approach puberty, the first signs of gynecomastia may become apparent, although this condition can affect adolescents and adults alike. This occurs when there is an imbalance between the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen within the body (Mayo Clinic). Although certain medications, including steroids, may contribute to this condition, in many instances, the root cause of the hormonal imbalance is unknown.
As boys continue through puberty, some may notice a significant improvement in the condition, whereas a percentage of them will continue to have the same cosmetic concerns through adulthood. In these cases, gynecomastia isn’t likely to go away on its own.
For some men, breast swelling due to gynecomastia is very subtle, whereas for others, it’s so significant that it can be compared to female breast development. In either case, however, research has shown that there are notable negative psychological effects that often come along with this condition. One reason for this may be that male breast swelling is typically unaffected by weight gain or loss, so treating this condition can pose a challenge for many men who may not fully understand it.
Treatment Options for Gynecomastia
Although there are creams, pills, and other gimmicky products on the market that may claim to help reduce male breast size, the truth is that the only proven procedure to treat gynecomastia is a surgery called male breast reduction. When performed by a skilled and experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, male breast reduction can offer excellent results. This procedure removes excess tissue and tightens any existing loose skin or muscle tissue in order to achieve a more masculine physique (American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
In most cases, the results of male breast reduction surgery are permanent, although it’s still important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to keep the same smooth, contoured results.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
If your quality of life is affected by gynecomastia and you’d like to consider your treatment options, the best first step is to consult with a trusted, experienced plastic surgeon. During your search for the right practice, be sure to check for qualifications such as board-certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, reputable accreditations, professional training, and before and after photos of previous male breast reduction procedures.
Keep in mind that while a particular plastic surgeon may have experience performing other procedures, it’s important that you work with someone who has been able to achieve quality results performing the specific surgery that you’re looking for.
At Premier Plastic Surgery & Dermatology in Pittsburgh and Wexford, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Heil has extensive experience performing male breast reduction surgery. In fact, Dr. Heil has been placed in the top 10 percent of plastic surgeons in Pittsburgh by the Castle Connolly physician-led Research Team, a true testament to his expertise and artful skill in his field.
For more information about gynecomastia treatment in Pittsburgh, or to schedule your consultation with Dr. Heil, please contact us at 724-264-3608 and take the first step in your journey toward achieving the sleek look and boost of self-confidence that you’ve always wanted.
